Three Tibetans Arrested in Chicago Taking Part in Demonstration

March 16, 2008

Emailed in by Larry Gerstein
Saturday, March 15, 2008

CHIGCAGO, IL. March 14 - Three Tibetans were arrested in Chicago on
Friday during a candle light vigil and demonstration in front of China's
Consulate. Two men and one woman who live in Chicago were arrested.
Their actions came soon after the vigil and demonstration began at the
Consulate.

Two of the Tibetans were arrested for destruction of property after
jumping on cars of officials leaving China's Consulate. One other
Tibetan was arrested for disorderly conduct after throwing a cup of
coffee at an official leaving the Consulate. China's Consulate in
Chicago filed charges against all three of these individuals. They were
taken to the local police station where they were booked. Later the
female was released. All three are scheduled to appear in court at a
later date.

The event at the Consulate was in support of the Tibetans in Tibet who
have been arrested and killed for peacefully protesting and demanding
their freedom. It was also in support of the Tibetans in India who have
been arrested for participating in a peaceful "Return March to Tibet"
and demonstrating in front of China's Embassy in Delhi.

Approximately 80 individuals attended the event in Chicago. Almost all
the attendees were Tibetan.

Along with chanting slogans, the participants recited prayers.

The Tibetan Alliance of Chicago, Students for a Free Tibet-Chicago,
Students for a Free Tibet-Madison, and the International Tibet
Independence Movement helped to coordinate the vigil and demonstration.

Further actions are scheduled for Chicago in the coming days including
additional demonstrations at China's Consulate.